1997 Freightliner Fl-80 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEADY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 36" REAR BRAKE CHAMBERS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE AIR RESERVOIR VOLUME REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
What could happen: INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 FL-80.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V114000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEADY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 36" REAR BRAKE CHAMBERS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE AIR RESERVOIR VOLUME REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence: INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/18/2003 · Steering
PROBLEM: BALL STUD & SOCKET ASSEMBLY SEPARATED. REVIEW NHTSA #OOV-246.001 TRUCK: 1997 FREIGHTLINER, FL-80 - SERIAL # [XXX] IN-SERVICE DATE: MAY 9, 1997 - MILEAGE 76,389 THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPT. OF TRANS., HAS A LARGE NUMBER OF 1997 THRU 1999 FREIGHTLINER, FL-80 DUMP TRUCKS, USED FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL. CANNOT RECEIVED THE NHTSA BULLETIN…